Modding Mac OS X

Screensavers

At some point in your life, you’ll say to yourself, “Self, I want a new screensaver” Over time, even the ever-changing default Flurry screensaver can grow dull. That’s when you’ll turn to MacUpdate (http://www.macupdate.com) on your quest for a new screensaver.

At MacUpdate, search for “saver” and you’ll find page after page of screensaver options. Find one that looks good, open its page, read about it, and (after appropriate investigation and thought) download it to your Macintosh.

Follow these steps to find, download, install, and set up a new screensaver:

1. Search through the “saver” results at MacUpdate. Make sure to read through the comments section for whatever screensaver you pick. Some items are free; others are shareware. I like the variety of Skyrocket Software’s offerings (http://www.skyrocketsoftware.com), many of which are listed at MacUpdate. For this example, I used their Butterflyz screensaver.

   Even though the Butterflyz screensaver is shareware ($5), you can still run it on your Mac without any problem. If you decide that you like Butterflyz and continue to use it, you should seriously consider registering the screensaver and paying the $5. After all, that’s what, the cost of a couple lattes?

   In general, if you’re using some piece of shareware software, and you find it:

   1. Entertaining

   2. Useful

   3. Saves you time

   4. All of the above

   take the time to write a check for the shareware fee to help that developer offset their time and expenses to bring you the software ...